Textile customization: comparison of logo printing techniques on fabric<

Textile personalization is used both by companies for the creation of promotional items and by individuals looking for unique clothing. Let's see what are the pros and cons of different techniques for printing a logo on fabric.

Textile personalization is a technique that allows you to personalize different items according to preferences. At the business level, it is a powerful communication tool through which they can convey a message or simply their logo. This personalization is carried out on accessories and clothing such as t-shirts that can be offered to employees, customers or partners. Also, it should be noted that different types of textiles can be personalized: jackets, shirts, t-shirts, polo shirts, masks, etc. In this sense, there are different methods of logo printing on fabric.

In this article :

Textile embroidery

Textile embroidery printing is one of the oldest fabric marking techniques. It is also the noblest and most widespread method. It consists of using a needle and thread to reproduce a visual on the textile. In this sense, it is the one that offers the most high-end rendering due to the sublimation of the textile by the relief obtained with the thickness of the threads. This is the reason why it is highly acclaimed by major ready-to-wear brands. You can see examples on Broderie Stoiber, an online textile embroidery specialist.

Advantages

It must be said that this textile marking technique has many advantages. Indeed, its touch is pleasant and accentuates the quality of customization. This makes it the reference method in this respect.

The other advantage of this personalized fabric transfer is that it offers a robust and reliable rendering over the long term. This one is almost indestructible and lasts longer. Likewise, it has excellent resistance to washing. In addition, textile embroidery can be applied to all types of fabrics and the color options are endless.

Also, it should be noted that this textile personalization confers a non-elasticity of the fabric to certain supports. This means that the visual does not risk being deformed over time.

Disadvantages

Although it has many advantages, textile embroidery also has some disadvantages that should be pointed out.

Indeed, its high quality comes at a price, which makes its cost relatively expensive. In this sense, it takes 0.60 euro cents more than unit screen printing from 1,000 pieces for a four-color logo.

Also, this type of customization is not recommended on fine fabrics, as it could weaken them. So, if you want a good quality personalized t-shirt, you will have to avoid thin fabrics. Finally, it is not possible to include gradients in the visuals.

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screen printing

It is also one of the oldest methods of textile transfer printing. It is an economical and ideal solution that is suitable for large series of prints. In addition, it stands out for its affordable price and is widely used for logos with one or two colors.

The textile screen printing technique consists of applying ink to the fabric with a frame above which the fabric is placed. The latter is then covered with a stencil where the colors are applied successively.

Advantages

The technique of silkscreen t-shirt printing has many advantages. It constitutes an excellent compromise between quantity and top of the range, hence a good quality/price ratio for the printing of large series. In this sense, it offers a pleasant visual to watch from near and far, thanks to its sharpness. This is also one of the reasons why it is recommended for fashion brands that produce in quantity.

In addition, the touch is solid and pleasant and the ink used for this can last depending on the use. For example, in the context of a quadri printing, screen printing is more resistant than textile embroidery. Finally, this textile personalization technique offers a magnificent color rendering that lasts over time.

Disadvantages

It must be said that the t-shirt screen printing machine still has some disadvantages. In reality, it is not suitable for small series, because there are many adjustments that are necessary. Moreover, it is not possible to create visuals or gradients with more than three different colors.

See also: DIY fashion: 10 creative ideas to personalize your clothes

Flocking/transfer on textile

Textile flocking or digital transfer is a personalization method most often used in certain complex parts such as sleeves or label areas. It is often found in the field of sport where it is used for T-shirt transfer marking.

The personalized garment transfer can thus be done with ink or with vinyl film. We then speak of transfer printing or flock printing. Moreover, this method is most suitable for small and medium series and is carried out with a flock printer.

Advantages

Flocking/transferring to text has many advantages. The visual appearance is sharp at the correct distance and can be likened to that of football team shirts. In addition to this, the touch is pleasant and smooth when this technique is used to print logo on fabric. It is still likely that the personalized textile transfer will have a cardboard effect depending on the size of the visual.

The other advantage is that this textile personalization technique is ideal for individual customizations. It is suitable for polyester materials, but also and above all for areas that are difficult to access. In this sense, flocking remains the most popular personalization method in the sports field. Finally, it offers excellent value for money.

Disadvantages

Although it offers many advantages, flocking/transferring still has some disadvantages. Indeed, there are rough edges when you get closer to the visual, which is certainly due to the material that allowed the transfer.

Furthermore, the durability of the flocking/transfer is not satisfactory. In reality, some areas tend to peel off over time. Therefore, the life of flocking is significantly less than that of embroidery and screen printing. Finally, gradients are not taken into account in this method.

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Digital textile printing

Digital printing is an equally well-known textile personalization technique. It allows to print logo on t-shirt in gradient mode or with many additional details. Moreover, it is a method at the cutting edge of technology and which often undergoes changes.

Its operation is simple since it consists of printing visuals with inkjets using a specialized printer.

Advantages

This type of digital transfer has many advantages. Its visual appearance may vary depending on the viewing distance. Nevertheless, it must be said that printed textiles have nothing to envy to other methods of textile personalization.

The smooth and pleasant appearance of the touch is also a great advantage of digital textile printing. Also, it has a long lifespan. This means that it will last as long as screen printing under identical use.

The cost of digital textile printing is affordable, as it is decreasing according to the quantity. Also, this technique allows the creation of complex visuals with many gradients, colors and/or shades. Digital transfer is very popular in the field of communication and advertising. Finally, it is the perfect technique for light textiles (100% cotton or polyester/cotton).

Disadvantages

Among the disadvantages of textile digital transfer is the incompatibility with dark media. In reality, there is no guarantee in terms of the outfit, the quality is not there and the cost is very high per unit. Likewise, it is a method that is not suitable for large series. The other disadvantage is that the possibility of marking is only limited to the back and the front. Therefore, digital transfer is not the best alternative for collar or sleeve markings.